Man Utd told to include David De Gea in deal to SIGN Real Madrid's Gareth Bale

According to the Manchester Evening News, United chiefs have been alerted to Bale's potential availability next summer.

However Madrid have told United they want goalkeeper De Gea to be included in any deal that takes Bale to Old Trafford.

United manager Louis van Gaal splashed over £150m during the summer on SIX big name additions, including £59.7m British record signing Angel Di Maria from Madrid.

The Dutchman has not ruled out another massive spending spree, having been told by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that money is no object in their pursuit of returning to the pinnacle of English and European football.

Starsport exclusively revealed in October that United were discussing a potential move for Wales star Bale, who only completed a world-record £85m switch to Madrid in 2013.

ON HIS WAY: Gareth Bale could be set to leave Real Madrid [GETTY]

Bale, 25, tasted Champions League glory during his debut campaign at the Bernabeu.

But sources in Spain have claimed that he has struggled to settle into manager Carlo Ancelotti's new look side this season following the arrivals of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.

And Bale's inability to adapt to Ancelotti's new system could see him depart Madrid with Chelsea and Manchester City also keeping tabs.

However United remain front runners in the race to bring the former Tottenham and Southampton star back to the Premier League

Madrid are keen on United stopper De Gea and have made him their No.1 target in their bid to find a long-term successor to Iker Casillas.

And it is understood the Spanish giants have intimated they would be willing to do business with United for Bale, if they include De Gea in any deal.